Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. The zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington State and around the world. By inspiring visitors and others to learn, care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.

This is your opportunity to join the dynamic Education team at Woodland Park Zoo. Applications are now being accepted for Youth Programs Specialist in the Youth Programs department. There is one full-time, regularly benefited position to be filled at this time.

The Youth Programs Specialist is responsible for developing and presenting programs for middle and high school aged youth from diverse backgrounds that build ecological/science literacy and engage youth in leadership, career development and conservation opportunities. The Specialist will work directly with middle school participants in the ZooCrew program at school sites and high school volunteers and interns in the ZooCorps program on and off zoo grounds. A successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative work environment and also have a strong foundation in both youth development work and informal science education.

SUMMARY

Responsible for the development and implementation of education programs and activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop curricula, programs and activities.

Present engaging programs and experiences that inspire conservation action to audiences of all ages on and off zoo grounds.

Develop, lead, assist with and evaluate training programs and activities.

Assist with research, development, revision and dissemination of program/projects, supporting and promotional materials, and interpretive elements.

Lead/mentor presenters, volunteers and interns.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to develop and present creative, mission-driven programming to a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently with little supervision.

Possess general knowledge of natural history and conservation.

Flexibility in dealing with program delivery and changes in deadlines and operation protocol.

Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which includes weekends, some evenings and holidays.

Ability to handle education program animals and to become a WPZ certified animal presenter.

Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institutions’ Core Values.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A minimum of four years combined education and experience in early childhood education; program and curriculum development; presenting thematically-based interpretive programs and/or classes to audiences of young children, families and caregivers; and program implementation/evaluation. Minimum of one year of experience with a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or other informal education facility preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Must be able to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research.

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

Must be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and deal with clients in a courteous and professional manner. Enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while handling, lifting, and storing program supplies, kits, and bulk food supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl while setting up displays, transporting class props and materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS

Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 23, 2014

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.